3/28/2014 - Few doctors get four weeks of vacation

Today is National Doctors Day, an occasion that honors the physician profession - a position that is held by more than 691,000 men and women in the country, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With an average annual wage into six figures, doctors are highly compensated - as they rightly should be, seeing as how they're charged with ensuring their patients heal as quickly as possible.

With many working 10 to 12 hour days, however, the life of a physician can be tiring. Fortunately, though, extended vacations can give doctors the relaxation they need to recharge their batteries so they can perform at their best when they're at work. And when it comes to leave time, anesthesiologists tend to have the most time off, according to a recently performed survey.

It's estimated that as many as 50% of anesthesiologists get approximately four weeks of vacation each year, more than any other physician. Among family doctors, just over one in 10 gets to enjoy a full month away from the office in order to unwind. Radiologists are the only other physicians that often four weeks vacation, the survey revealed.

Though it may come as a surprise, the U.S. is one of the few high income countries where paid vacation time is not a requirement, as noted by the Center for Economic and Policy Research. The average American takes about 16 days off in the typical year with pay.

In an effort to recognize physicians for all that they do on behalf of their patients, Selective is proud to offer them with our Affinity discount plans. These homeowners insurance and auto insurance policies come with discounted rates, giving clinicians the type of savings that they deserve.